1. Learning to read the
EBK Playbook

2.  This is a standard Playcard.
 The black line represent the line of scrimmage.
 The X’s at the top is how where the binding rings go
when the playcard is added to the playbook.
 The white box is where the name of the play goes.
 The numbers on the sides are approximate yardage
markers.
Introduction

3.  Playcards come in several colors:
Core
Goal line
Trick
Short
Playcard Color Coding

4.  Positions are represented by a blue box
with the position name (letter) inside.
 A red box indicates the player receiving
the snap.
Offensive Player Positions

5.  Alignments for each play are depicted on
the playcards.
 Offensive alignments vary drastically from
play to play. Always pay attention to the
starting position.
Our Common Alignments:
Normal Spread Bunch
Offensive Alignments

6.  Routes come in several colors:
◦ Black is a decoy route.
◦ Red is a secondary route.
◦ Green is a primary route.
◦ Purple is an alternative execution
route.
Route Color Coding

7.  Not all of a routes design can be depicted with arrows.
◦ W’s “21” route means he is coming inside, flashing his hands at the QB
trying to get the defender to bite inside, and then breaking outside.
◦ X’s inside curl route indicates he is running to the LB, or inside shoulder of
an OLB, and turning around to face the QB. His job is to occupy the
defender.
◦ Y’s angled deep route indicates he is running at, or inside of the Safety.
◦ Z’s outside slant route indicates a delay in the timing before the cross.
Common Route Indicators

8.  W, X, and C all run decoy routes.
 Z is the Primary target on this play.
 Y and H are the Secondary Targets.
Basic Play Design

9.  Stars represent the order in which the QB will likely
progress through the WR routes.
 Stars are located approximately where the WR will be
receiving the ball, or at least having the ball thrown to
them by the time they reach that spot.
 Purple Stars (not pictured) represent the progression
during an alternate execution.
Designed Read Progressions

10.  Here is the same play, but W comes in
motion pre-snap and aligns between Y
and Z.
◦ The signal for going in motion is when the
Center places the ball on the ground.
Motion

11.  Here, the play has two executions:
◦ First, is the original play with Black, Red, and Green
routes.
◦ Second, is where players that have purple routes
follow them instead of their original route.
Alternative Execution

12.  Always execute the standard play unless
specifically instructed to run your
alternate route.
Calling the Alternative Execution

13.  When two WRs cross the same area of the
field, whichever route is on top of the
stack goes first.
 Here Y goes first, and then Z crosses
underneath.
Crossing Routes

14.  When two WRs cross the same area of the
field, whichever route is on top of the
stack goes first.
◦ The Center runs in front of everyone.
◦ Z runs underneath everyone.
◦ Y runs in front of Z, but under the Center.
Route Stacking

15.  An Option Route is where the WR reads
the defense during the play and adjusts
his route to run to the open space.
Option Routes

16.  This play can be executed two ways:
◦ To the left, with Z as the primary
◦ To the right, with Y as primary
 Z goes in motion, and runs an option route.
 X is the only WR whose route changes based
on the play execution.
Example Play

17.  Stars represent progression order
 W is running a deep fly route, but getting
outside of the CB first.
 The left QB is receiving the snap.
 X, W, and H are all secondary options.
Example Play Continued

18.  There are goal line, short, core, and trick play
card types.
 Playcards show the formation an alignment.
 There are decoy, secondary, primary, and
alternative execution route.
 Read progression is labeled by stars.
 Route order is determined by the stack.
 There are several nuances in some route
designs, like the quick out slant, the “21”, and
the angled base routes.
 Some plays have alternate executions, or Option
routes, making them flexible for many situations.
Recap